REMEMBERED: Greens MLC John Kaye (centre), at a protest about the state government's TAFE cuts in Lismore in 2014, flanked by then Labor candidate for Lismore Isaac Smith (right) and Greens candidate for Lismore Adam Guise (left).

He was a regular visitor to the North Coast, attending numerous rallies and press conferences outside the Lismore TAFE to deliver eloquent and well-researched criticisms of the NSW Government's current policy on vocational education.

He was also a member of a NSW Upper House Inquiry into changes in vocational education under the State Government's Smart and Skilled reforms, which held its first hearing at Wollongbar TAFE late last year.

His other causes included slamming the influence of the alcohol, tobacco and gambling lobby on government - helping secure a ban on political donations from those industries - railing against the greyhound racing industry's treatment of dogs - and renewable energy.

Sorry to hear that our friend and comrade John Kaye has died. John was a tireless campaigner and advocate for TAFE. pic.twitter.com/xMDlq6HVU4

The NSW Greens have posted a tribute to Dr Kaye on their Facebook page, praising him as a "tireless champion for public education, a pioneer on renewable energy... and a highly principled member of our party."

"John's death from cancer at 60 represents an enormous loss for our party - and for the goals that he championed. He will be sorely missed but his work will continue to inspire us.

Greens NSW MP David Shoebridge also released the following comments to the media:

"With John's death the Greens NSW and the NSW Parliament have lost an MP of enormous principle, energy and commitment. His colleagues have also lost a dear friend.

"John was a tireless champion of public education, leading the national debate on education funding with an unflagging commitment to TAFE and public schools.

"Public schools and TAFE colleges in this State are stronger, better resourced and more prominent in the national debate due to the work of Dr Kaye.

"A lifelong commitment to public endeavour and social justice saw John campaign across the state in opposition to the privatisation of the state's electricity sector.

Vale NSW Greens MP John Kaye: champion of public education, pursuer of the corrupt, friend of the poor and dispossessed. Bob Brown